The moments following the incident were stressful, chaotic, and overall fear filled. However, UVU combated these problems with poise and hope for a brighter future. Over the span of a few weeks, the University sent out countless emails overviewing resources available to both students and faculty affected by the tragedy. The University even extended the drop deadline for those students who chose to leave school.

When the students who continued their enrollment returned to campus, they were met with open arms and love from the Administration and peers. The university went out of their way to make everyone feel like they belong, including, but not limited to, the many support groups around school, a large vigil held to commemorate his life and memory, therapy dog and animal stations positioned around campus, every billboard having positive affirmations, a student group donating flowers to help students feel loved, and much more.

Overall, while many students may have dropped out of school, those who stayed have banded together to make UVU a better community, showing the resilience of its students and faculty. Of any college campus to suffer this tragedy, UVU has faced it with an eye of triumph rather than defeat, allowing all to feel safer and continue thriving.

Paige Jensen

Orem